Integrated front projection system with enhanced dry erase screen configuration

• US 6,530,664 B2
• Filed: 04/24/2001
• Issued: 03/11/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 03/03/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Original Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Inventors: Hughes, Patricia M., Vanderwerf, Dennis F., Rodriguez, Ernesto M. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): DOWLING, WILLIAM C
• Application Number:
  US09/841,021
• Publication Number:
  US 20010046035A1
• Time in Patent Office: 686 Days
• Field of Search: 353/79, 353/70, 353/122, 359/443, 359/459, 359/454
• US Class Current: 353/74
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 21/10 Projectors with built-in or built-on screen
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 21/60 characterised by the nature of the surface
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/74 Projection arrangements for image reproduction, e.g. using eidophor
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/3185 Geometric adjustment, e.g. keystone or convergence optical or mechanical adjustment of convergence H04N9/317; using scanning means H04N3/22; optical or mechanical adjustments of projectors not peculiar to the presence of an electronic spatial light modulator G03B21/14
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/3194 including sensor feedback

Abstract

A front projection screen and associated system and method are disclosed that utilize a back structured layer and a front diffusing layer to provide improved viewable image quality. The structured layer is formed with a plurality of grooves and can operate to direct light into a defined audience view region. The diffusing layer is coupled to the structured layer and is formed from a matte polyester film to provide dry erase capability on a front surface of the diffusing layer. For example, the matte polyester film can be TEKRA Marnot XL matte Melinex polyester film. Further, the structured layer can be formed as an acrylate linear prismatic structure having a gloss white coating. The acrylate linear prismatic structure and the matte polyester film can be coupled, for example, by lamination or can be coupled by being extruded as a unitary construction.

Claims

1. A front projection screen, comprising:

a back structured layer formed with a plurality of grooves and operable to direct light into a defined audience view region; and

a front diffusing layer coupled to the structured layer, the diffusing layer formed from a matte polyester film to provide dry erase capability on a front surface of the diffusing layer.

2. The front projection screen of claim 1, wherein the matte polyester film is TEKRA Marnot XL matte Melinex polyester film.

3. The front projection screen of claim 1, wherein the structured layer is formed as an acrylate linear prismatic structure having a gloss white coating.

4. The front projection screen of claim 3, wherein the acrylate linear prismatic structure and the matte polyester film are coupled by lamination.

5. The front projection screen of claim 3, wherein the acrylate linear prismatic structure and the matte polyester film are coupled by being extruded as a unitary construction.

6. An integrated front projection display system, comprising:

a front projection device; and

a front projection screen configured to receive an image from the front projection device, the front projection screen comprising;

a back structured layer formed with a plurality of grooves and operable to direct light into a defined audience view region; and

a front diffusing layer coupled to the structured layer, the diffusing layer formed from a matte polyester film to provide dry erase capability on a front surface of the diffusing layer.

7. The integrated front projection display system of claim 6, wherein the matte polyester film is TEKRA Marnot XL matte Melinex polyester film.

8. The integrated front projection display system of claim 6, wherein the structured layer is formed as an acrylate linear prismatic structure having a gloss white coating.

9. The integrated front projection display system of claim 8, wherein the acrylate linear prismatic structure and the matte polyester film are coupled by lamination.

10. The integrated front projection display system of claim 9, wherein the acrylate linear prismatic structure and the matte polyester film are coupled by being extruded as a unitary construction.

11. The integrated front projection display system of claim 6, wherein the front projection device is coupled to the front projection screen.

12. The integrated front projection display system of claim 11, wherein the front projection device is movably coupled to the front projection screen.

13. The integrated front projection display system of claim 12, wherein the front projection device comprises an arm that is movably coupled to the front projection screen, the arm having a non-projection position and a projection position.

14. The integrated front projection display system of claim 13, wherein the projection system is an off-axis projection system with a throw ratio of less then about 1.

15. A method for providing a viewable image from a projection display system, comprising:

utilizing a structured layer for a back surface of a projection screen to direct light into a defined audience view region, the structured layer being formed with a plurality of grooves; and

utilizing a front diffusing layer coupled to the structured layer to provide dry erase capability on a front surface of the diffusing layer, the diffusing layer being formed from a matte polyester film.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the matte polyester film is TEKRA Marnot XL matte Melinex polyester film.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the structured layer is formed as an acrylate linear prismatic structure having a gloss white coating.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the acrylate linear prismatic structure and the matte polyester film are coupled by lamination.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising projecting an image to the projection screen with a front projection system.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the front projection system includes a front projection device, the front projection device including an arm that is movably coupled to the front projection screen.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the projection system is an off-axis projection system with a throw ratio of less then about 1.